Minutes
January 6th, 2009
Heights Hotel, Portland
Apologies: Paul Green, Mrs Charnock, John Tweed and Tony Pidgley
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting
Minutes from last meeting approved.
Presentation given by Detective Superintendent David Griffith and Sgt. Nikki Billington as to Security for the 2012 Olympics. Outlined the police position being a separate entity from the LOCOG and ODA. Policing will be funded by central government and will not come from local tax payers. Currently £600million set aside with a contingency of a further £127million.
The proposed timetable for the games will start mid June 2012with the area cleared searched and sealed. Thereafter the games will take place followed by the Paralympic games with closing ceremony on 9 September. The security operation lasts for 67 days. The systems used will be similar to those used for party political conferences. The Portland Beach Road will not be closed. Athletes will be housed on a cruise ship in the harbour although they are free to use local accommodation if they so choose. The sailing area will be secured and access only given with a pass. And will not affect local residents. SWRDA are providing a shared building for security police, ambulance and fire. There will be “cops with guns” as part of the security operation both on water and off. Nikki Billington will be based on Portland shortly.
Enquiries can be made to 01202 222012 – Security or Olympics@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Questions included how many spectators anticipated – London think possibly 60,000 but suspected it will be lower unless England win lots and lots of medals, the weather is warm and it is a weekend!
Will there be any pre games tests for security – yes probably coinciding with test events.
What if there is a terrorist attack or Portland becomes cut off by the destruction of Ferrybridge? Resilience is the key and no difficulties are envisaged. COBRA will be sitting throughout the games to advise and cover any such issues. One or two present rather welcomed the idea of returning to real Island status!!
How is it envisaged to effect the local community? Do not think it will effect us that badly. There will be auto recognition police vehicles checking traffic. Sailing is usually within the hours not affected by rush hour traffic although congestion is envisaged.
What restrictions will be placed on local boats both commercial and leisure. This is still being worked on and ongoing consultation is taking place. Facilities and restrictions will be advertised in advance.
The Chairman thanked Detective Superintendent Griffiths and Sgt Nikki Billington for their presentation.
Inspector Pete Meteau – Senior Commander for Weymouth & Portland gave an update on the policing situation generally and made himself available for questions after the meeting together with Mike Holman.
Treasurers report given by Andrew Harvey
Secretary’s Report and Correspondence.
It was agreed £250.00 would be given to both Laura Brown and Niall Laming
Any other business. A request from SAT group to have an update on the coastal strip at our next meeting was agreed. They will be offered a slot following the main presentation. There had been two applications for funding – Niall Laming and Laura Brown. With the committees backing (Phil taking no part in this particular decision) it was confirmed that we would assist Niall Laming and the committee as a whole proposed further sponsorship for Laura Brown. We have also received a thank you letter from the Second Edition Majorettes and also confirming they already have a strong troupe.
The chairman thanked the Heights Hotel again for allowing us to use their facilities yet again and further for their continuing support.
Next meeting 3rd March Heights Hotel 7pm. Agenda to follow in due course.
